Mideast can’t prosper without Israeli-Palestinian peace, Jordanian king says

Jordan’s King Abdullah II says the Middle East will suffer as long as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, moments after US President Joe Biden touted a deal linking India and Saudi Arabia to Europe via Jordan and Israel despite the lack of progress on a two-state solution.

“No architecture for regional security and development can stand over the ashes of this conflict,” he says.

He also appears to chide the international community for its halting efforts on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

“Where are we going? Without clarity on where Palestinians’ future lies it will be impossible to converge on a political solution to this conflict,” he says to applause.

“Delaying justice and peace has brought endless cycles of violence,” he says, noting the high number of Palestinians killed this year.

King Abdullah II of Jordan addresses the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, September 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“How can people trust in global justice while settlement building, land confiscation and home demolitions are happening,” he asks.

Turning to the flashpoint issue of Jerusalem, he mentions his country’s role as custodian of Islamic and Christian sites there.

“Jordan remains committed to safeguarding the city’s identity,” he says, “but preserving Jerusalem as the city of faith and peace for Islam, Christianity and Judaism is a responsibility we all share.”

He urges more funding for UNRWA, the UN body that aids Palestinian refugees, as the key to keeping young Palestinians away from terror and extremists.